Eight speaking factors forward of the Premier League, that includes a defining run for Spurs, Manchester United being dragged right into a dogfight, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future.
Fixture record supply no sympathy to Postecoglou strain
After a superb begin to his reign at Tottenham, the wheels have fallen off for Ange Postecoglou. Having narrowly lacking out on Champions League qualification final season, a decimated squad has struggled for outcomes in the course of the present marketing campaign.
Spurs are eleventh within the desk and mathematically nearer to the relegation locations than the highest 4. It’s simply three wins from their final 13 video games for Spurs, a run that has piled the strain on the Australian.
The membership’s fixture record as we head into the brand new 12 months affords little sympathy. An in-form Newcastle aspect arrive in North London this weekend, earlier than clashes with Liverpool (Carabao Cup semi-final), Tamworth (FA Cup) and Arsenal. Criticised for a failure to adapt to the absentees in his squad, Postecoglou’s place might be in actual jeopardy if performances don’t enhance. It’s a run of video games that might reignite their fortunes – or drive the board into a call.
Wasteful Cherries should sharpen up in opposition to Everton
Bournemouth have been one of the crucial watchable groups within the league this season, with Andoni Iraola’s aspect stuffed with depth and journey. The Cherries are fourth for xG created within the Premier League this season, whereas solely two groups had extra photographs in 2024 (601).
Everton are the guests to the Vitality Stadium this weekend and can supply a take a look at of Bournemouth’s potential to interrupt down a cussed defence. Regardless of defeat to Nottingham Forest final outing, Everton have annoyed Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis over the festive interval.
Bournemouth, for all their plaudits, have been one of the crucial wasteful sides within the league. Solely Southampton (-11.91) have underperformed their xG to a better extent than the Cherries, who’ve scored 29 occasions from an anticipated determine of 39.40. Iraola’s outfit can’t afford to squander such alternatives in opposition to an Everton aspect who will defend in numbers.
Maresca seeks to cease slide as Chelsea cling on to top-four place
Enzo Maresca’s refusal to get caught up in title discuss has confirmed proper, with Chelsea stumbling over the festive interval. His inexperienced aspect did not win in three video games, whereas defeats to Fulham and Ipswich City dented confidence.
Maresca takes his workforce to Crystal Palace this weekend, seeking to remedy their stoop. Current outcomes have seen Chelsea drop to fourth and their Champions League hopes are in jeopardy with an in-form Newcastle and Manchester Metropolis within the rear-view mirror.
One other defeat at Palace, who’ve misplaced simply as soon as in eight video games, might see Chelsea drop out of the highest 4 if Newcastle beat Tottenham with the required swing in aim distinction.
Can Arsenal put the strain on?
Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 video games and back-to-back league wins over the festive interval noticed the Gunners climb to second. Mikel Arteta’s workforce are Liverpool’s closest challengers however have important floor to make up on the leaders.
The North Londoners journey to Brighton this weekend and might cut back the hole to 3 factors with a win. Liverpool are in motion in opposition to Manchester United the next day, permitting Arsenal to place some strain on the Reds. Arne Slot’s aspect would nonetheless have the prospect to increase their lead again to 9 factors with two video games in hand, although Arsenal will hope a little bit little bit of strain can result in an unexpected wobble from the desk toppers.
Delap might be on Thomas Tuchel’s radar
Thomas Tuchel’s reign as England supervisor has formally begun with the German formulating plans for his first camp in March. A brand new period brings the promise of change and Liam Delap is among the many names seeking to drive a route in.
Having been allowed to depart Manchester Metropolis in the summertime, the ahead has hit the bottom working at Ipswich City. He has seven objectives in 18 league appearances, with no participant aged 21 or below having netted extra within the Premier League.
It’s been a powerful first marketing campaign at his stage for Delap, who has shone in a struggling aspect. He was excellent within the 2-0 win over Chelsea final month, scoring one and creating one other whereas bullying the Blues backline at Portman Street. It’s early days, however Delap has hinted he might be the long-term inheritor to Harry Kane if his growth continues on this trajectory.
Alexander-Arnold an undesirable distraction for leaders
Liverpool’s season might hardly be going higher. Leaders within the Premier League title race and Champions League standings, Arne Slot’s begin has exceeded even essentially the most optimistic of expectations. Nevertheless, the background noise at Anfield is an undesirable distraction. Arguably Liverpool’s three most necessary gamers are all out of contract in the summertime with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold approaching free company.
Whereas there’s optimism the previous duo will signal new phrases, it’s trying more and more probably from the surface that Alexander-Arnold might transfer on. Actual Madrid are pushing to signal the 26-year-old and have enquired into the prospect of a January deal. A mid-season transfer makes little sense for both Alexander-Arnold or Liverpool, although it’s a distraction the league leaders might do with out. If that is to be Alexander-Arnold’s closing season with the Reds, he is not going to need his future to derail it.
May Manchester United actually be in a relegation battle?
Ruben Amorim was candid in his evaluation of Manchester United after the membership crashed to a fourth consecutive defeat in opposition to Newcastle on December 30.
“That’s actually clear [United are being dragged into a relegation battle] so we’ve to combat,” Amorim instructed Sky Sports activities. “It’s a actually tough second, one of many harder moments within the historical past of Manchester United and we’ve to deal with it with honesty.”
United are simply seven factors above the drop zone and their run of outcomes has sparked real fears over their top-flight standing. The Pink Devils haven’t been relegated for 50 years, however with a visit to Liverpool subsequent – the scene of some harrowing losses in recent times – Amorim’s aspect might be pushed nearer to the underside three this weekend. It’s unimaginable for a membership of this dimension and assets to be in a dogfight, however performances of late have elevated concern. With restricted funds out there in January, Amorim wants his present squad to indicate indicators of life.
Nuno makes Wolves return with inventory hovering once more
When Wolves parted with Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021, there was a way his reign had gone stale. Since his exit, Nuno struggled at Spurs earlier than success in Saudi Arabia preceded his return to the Midlands with Nottingham Forest. He’s remodeled the Difficult Timber from relegation favourites to European hopefuls and returns to Molineux along with his inventory at an all-time excessive. Having led Wolves from the second tier to Europe, he’s hoping for an additional crack at continental competitors with Forest.
Wolves, as compared, have had 4 managers since Nuno’s exit in a interval of instability. Vitor Pereira’s spectacular begin affords hope that Wolves have lastly discovered a long-term chief.
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